Insuring your drone

Drones, or unmanned aircraft, have become a common phenomenon for the military, meteorologists as well as hobbyists, with the latter category quickly seeing these toys become incorporated into the lifestyles of many South Africans.

These toys can cost anything from R1 000 to more than R100 000, meaning that should a drone go missing on a flight, the owner can expect to suffer a substantial financial loss. Many insurance companies offer household insurance for suitable hobby users.

Mpumelelo Tyikwe, Managing Director of Alexander Forbes Insurance, said liability was a real issue when flying a drone. “The risk factors involved are collision with 3rd party property, collision with a person causing injury or death and the collision with airborne objects. Many insurance companies offer household insurance for suitable hobby users. Read your policy wording carefully as this insurance often does not cover the aircraft while in use (flying),” Tyikwe said.

“If you are a hobby drone pilot taking pictures purely for fun or personal use, you do not need a licence or registration of the craft. Invasion of privacy remains a concern - obtain people’s consent prior to video recording or flight over the area that does not belong to you.”

“Check with your insurer or broker what cover is available for loss and damage of the drone as well as what cover there is for liability.”

Alexander Forbes provides cover for hobbyist drone enthusiasts under the home contents section, providing for loss or damage of the drone in their homes, as well as third party liability for injury loss or damage when the drone is being used. “However, covering loss or damage of the drone away from home would come at an extra cost and policy holders should discuss this with their brokers.”

Drone enthusiasts should familiarise themselves with the regulations for operating drones in South Africa, introduced in 2015 by visiting www.safedrone.co.za.

To name a few, the drone must keep out of restricted, prohibited and controlled airspace and keep 50 m away from people, buildings and roads. For private use or operation the drone can be up to 7kg in weight.